Jeremy Lin: 5 Predictions for Lin and the Knicks in Second Half

Jeremy Lin has been an amusing first-half story, but now it’s time to start thinking about how the Linsanity all plays out for the rest of the season.

Will he be able to keep up his February averages of 21 points and eight assists? Or does the return of ‘Melo screw everything up?

Here are five predictions for the Knicks as they begin the second-half of their season tonight against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

1. Lin’s Turnovers Will Decrease

He has averaged 6.2 turnovers in his last five games and it’s been the No 1 beef people have with his game. Overall he has averaged 5.3 in the month of February. But this isn’t rocket science here; he is essentially a rookie getting extended playing time in a Mike D’Antoni offense that causes plenty of them.

The game will eventually slow down for Lin and he will value each possession a little bit more. Part of that will be because he won’t be able to run the fast pace offense incorporated at the beginning of this marvelous run.

Which brings me to my next point…

2. Carmelo Anthony’s Ego Will Effect Shot Selection

‘Melo’s reaction to a Lin question during the All-Star game was very telling. He shook his head, placed a towel over his face and essentially ignored it. Not exactly an enthusiastic response.

It’s obvious he is upset that an unknown has suddenly stolen the spotlight away from him and he is determined to get it back.

How can he?

Shoot, and shoot, and shoot again.

‘Melo may be the first person ever to register 30 points on 30 shots as Amare Stoudemire and Lin look on in disgust.

This is Melo’s team and he wants everybody to remember it. Lin’s scoring average is surely going to drop significantly because of it. As will the flow of the entire Knicks offense.

3. Lin’s Shooting Percentage Will Continue to Plummet

He came out of the gates on fire, shooting over 50 percent in seven of 12 games. Rarely can a guard ever achieve such a mark for an entire season while shooting over 10 field goals per game.

He failed to reach the 50 percent mark in five of his last eight games and has shot 14-of-40 since Carmelo returned.

While his turnovers will go down along with the amount of Knicks’ offensive possessions, his shooting percentage will dip as well.

4. The Racist Remarks Will Keep Pouring In

The Linsanity has shown us that we are still a nation that is not mature enough to handle an Asian-American playing a predominately African-American sport well.

From ESPN editors to Ben and Jerry’s, plenty of people have already inserted one large foot into their mouths.

It’s only a matter of time until we get the next idiotic comment or idea…which is kind of sad. As long as Lin is playing a large role and staying in the headlines, somebody will be next in line.

5. The Knicks Will Meet the Bulls in Round 1 and Get Crushed

If you thought Lin was outclassed against the aggressiveness of the Miami Heat last Thursday, just wait until he plays the Bulls.

In a 2-vs.-7 matchup, Derrick Rose is going to abuse Lin in every facet of the game. He is quicker, stronger, a better finisher around the basket and a much more aggressive defender.

It will expose Lin for his lack of lateral movement on defense and his knack to turn the ball over under heavy pressure.

The good news is that I think the Knicks can win at least one game on their home floor, which would be the first playoff win in a looooong time.